As title suggests I'm considering importing a dell from the United States. As such, what are the main concerns I should consider when importing a laptop? The problems may range from warranty, performance and even extra taxes.
Cheers.
Associated issues with importing Dell from the United States?
Unknown1 on 11/01/2017 - 11:24
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Not sure now but when I checked about a year ago it was double. You could spec out your Dell and get the price in US$ and then change the country code in the top bar to AU$. Most times it just doubles the price.
Depending on the purchase price though, once you factor in GST and freight-forwarding, it narrows the gap. Depends on whether it's a US$800 laptop or a US$3000 laptop ;)
Yep, true.
The price difference between a similar priced model is $650 AUD. Although,the main issue is in Australia dell does not offer the laptop with an option for a OLED screen.
So depending upon warranty and price it'd might be preferable to have the laptop shipped from the US.
The price difference between a similar priced model is $650 AUD
And that's factoring in GST and freight forwarding costs?
Surely there's other models with the OLED screen?
Without GST and Freight.
@Spackbace: The similar priced laptop, converted to AUD is $2090 for the US model and $2740 for the Australia model.
Ok so that's $2299 (inc GST) + Shipping (probably around $100) vs $2740
Is the $2740 model discounted at all? Quite often you can get discounts/cashback up to around 8% at Dell, or through Student Discount.
Alternatively, do you know of anyone going overseas soon? Bali? Claim TRS and get the GST back on the $2740 one = $2491. Now even if you managed a further 5% off (cashback or discount), that brings it to $2366.45.
Uni discount has been applied (I'll be using a friends account), although a cashback has not been applied.
It should be noted that dell reps in US are likely to offer a discount on the laptop, but not the Dell reps in Aus.
I know of a friend living in the US and another going to New Zealand.
That's a good price on $2740, but unfortunately it still lacks the OLED.
You will get warranty on DELL products from USA. At least in the business model. I bought a Dell Precision from USA and transferred the warranty to Australia with the same conditions: 3 years warranty with onsite visit. The laptop was bought from Dell Outlet USA.
Small issue, but power supply may not be appropriate for australia. Or may just need adapter.
That was one major concerns. However, I've been informed that the power supply can change voltages or supports a range voltages.
The plug is the real concern. Although, I have a US plug adapter.
Not certain for Dell, but for my Sony I bought from the US, I just had to buy a clover-leaf cable from Jaycar and it worked fine (ie. kept everything except the small cable which connects the adapter to the wall outlet).
As long as the adapter is multi-voltage (which just about all laptops are AFAIK), then it is not really an issue.
Is the price with powerbuy discount? https://www.powerbuy.com.au
Dell Aus accepts this discount: http://www.dell.com/learn/au/en/aubsd1/campaigns/powerbuy-au
Also, contrary to what someone said before, I found that if you ring Dell, you know exactly which model you want, and are ready to make an order on the phone, you can negoatiate considerable discount. Unless it changed only recently.I purchased my MSI gaming laptop from USA long back when AUD $ > USD. So its less than 1k so no GST.
Only I need AU plug which you get for dollar from aliexpress. My laptop was eligible was 1 year international and second year US warranty. This was 5 years back. AFAIK Dell provides International warranty and for Dell Business models you can transfer the warranty.
But with USD>AUD I dont know how much beneficial to you. My savings was almost $700 with higher spec model.
don't forget you'll have to convert the drive from the left hand side to the right hand side 8)
GST on the way in (if purchase price over AU$1000)
You wouldn't have local warranty, or it would be an absolute struggle to get them to sort it under warranty afaik
What's the price difference?